Ready To Work

Program Summary

On October 15, 2014, the U.S. Department of Labor announced $169,771,960 in grants to expedite the employment of Americans struggling with long-term unemployment. The grants are part of the Ready to Work Partnership (Ready To Work) initiative to support and scale innovative collaborations between employers, nonprofit organizations and federal job training programs to help connect ready-to-work Americans with ready-to-be-filled jobs.

This program supports and expands public-private partnerships that are helping long-term unemployed individuals get back to work. The Ready To Work grant program will provide those experiencing long-term unemployment with a range of training and supportive and specialized services leading to rapid employment in middle and high-skilled jobs.

Ready To Work projects are built around a comprehensive, up-front assessment of long-term unemployed individuals' needs and skills, resulting in customized interventions across three tracks: 1) intensive coaching and other short-term, specialized services culminating in direct job placement into middle and high-skilled jobs; 2) short-term interventions leading to employment into middle and high-skilled jobs; and 3) accelerated skills training along a career pathway to middle and high skilled jobs.

Projects incorporate work-based training models with earning components for long-term unemployed workers through models such as on-the-job training (OJT), paid work experience, paid internships, and Registered Apprenticeships. These programs also include tangible commitments from employers and other partners to provide employment opportunities, technical skills training, and on-the-job training and other paid work experience for H-1B occupations, while also addressing the barriers, income needs, and supportive service needs unique to long-term unemployed workers.

Announcements

10-15-2014:Nearly $170M in Ready to Work Partnership grants awarded to help long-term unemployed Americans find work! Find the news release here, including a list of Ready To Work grant award winners.

02-19-2014: Ready to Work Competition Announced! Approximately $150 million in grants to prepare and place those facing long-term unemployment into good jobs. Find the news release here and listen to the Ready to Work press call here.